August 31, 2016
Cherbourg will host a large outdoor concert on Saturday, October 1, as part of this year’s South Burnett & Cherbourg On Show October long weekend.
The Yhurri Gurri Us Mob Arts And Culture Festival will run at Jack O’Chin Oval from 1:00pm to 6:00pm and will focus on music, arts, food and indigenous culture.
“Yhurri Gurri” means “welcome” in Wakka Wakka.
Performers and bands who’ll be appearing at the festival include 2016 Mo Award winner Chad Morgan, Roger Knox, Mop and The Dropouts, Lance O’Chin, Les Collins and Les O’Chin.
They’ll be joined by popular local performers Muddy Flats, Deadly Wayz, Lillian Gray and Steve Hart.
The festival is being run in conjunction with Us Mob Radio 94.1FM and has been put together by some of the same people responsible for the very successful Reconciliation Fun Run.
Spokesperson Zona Hussey-Smith said the festival had several aims.
“We want to hold a first class outdoor concert to promote, celebrate and market local talent,” Zona said.
“We also want to provide a drug and alcohol-free environment that’s safe for families, young people and Elders to help foster social cohesion and reconciliation, as well as promote the community of Cherbourg.”
This year’s inaugural festival is being dedicated as a tribute to the late country music singer Angus Rabbitt Jnr, who died in early July.
“Many of the performers played with Angus or knew him well, so I’m sure they’ll turn in an excellent show in his memory.”
Apart from music, the festival will also feature pop-up galleries showcasing Cherbourg art, dancing and singing as well as food and market stalls.
There will also be face painting, traditional games and rides that will interest children.
Zona said admission prices for the festival had been kept deliberately low to encourage as many people as possible to come along.
Ticket prices will be $10 for adults, $5 for students/concessions or $30 for a family.
“We want to make Yhurri Gurri an annual festival to complement the Reconciliation Fun Run,” she said.
“Everyone talks about what a great atmosphere the Fun Run has and what a great day it is, and we’d like them to say the same things about Yhurri Gurri, too.”
UPDATE September 19, 2016: Tickets will be available at the gate on the day, but can also be purchased online.
- Related article: Angus Rabbitt: The End Of An Era
Great story, regards Jeanette Brown